Sports shoe spike removal tool

ABSTRACT

A spike removal tool (30, 50, 60, 70, 90, 110) for removing spike elements (14, 125) from sporting shoes (10), the spike elements (14, 125) rotatable in a first direction relative to the shoe (10) for installation and rotatable in a second direction relative to the shoe (10) for removal, the tool (30, 50, 60, 70, 90, 110) including a tool head (35, 52, 62, 72, 92, 112) having an axis of rotation, rotatable in the second direction to engage the spike element (14, 125) and including a first surface (38, 53, 73, 93, 113), a second surface (39, 52A, 62A, 72A, 93A, 113A) opposing the first surface, an engagement means carried by the first surface (38, 53, 73, 93, 113), for engaging the spike element (14, 125) and a bore (42, 55, 65, 75, 95, 117) extending centrally through the first surface into the tool head (35, 52, 62, 72, 92, 112) toward the second surface (39, 52A, 62A, 72A, 93A, 113A) along the axis of rotation, a shank (32, 51, 61, 71, 91, 111) extending from the second surface of the tool head (35, 52, 62, 72, 92, 112) and having an axis of rotation generally perpendicular to the first surface of the tool head and co-axial with the bore (42, 55, 65, 75, 95, 117).

TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention relates to accessories for sporting equipment.

More particularly, the present invention relates to the installation andremoval of spikes from sports shoes.

In a further and more specific aspect, the present invention concernstools for the removal of worn and damaged spikes from sports shoes.

BACKGROUND ART

In many sporting events, traction is an important element. In a sportrequiring a great deal of running, traction is an obvious requirement.In other sporting events such as golf, running is not a requirement, buttraction is still a very important element for success. Over the yearsshoes have been developed to provide the necessary traction. These shoesemploy spikes projecting from the sole, and often from the heel. Inshoes specialized for a particular sport, the spikes are often fixed inposition. The drawback to this type of shoe is that only one type ofspike may be employed, and over time the spikes will become worn. Theworn spikes cannot be replaced, so the shoe must be discarded even ifotherwise in good shape.

To overcome the problem of worn spikes on usable shoes and to provide ashoe potentially capable of being fitted with different types of spikes,a shoe having removable spikes was developed. This shoe has threadedapertures into which threaded spike elements can be fitted. When thespikes become too worn, they are simply replaced with new spikes.

While this sounds like a very simple and effective solution to theproblem, and in theory works very well, in practical application,problems arise. When spikes are used over a period of time, they becomedirty, worn and deformed. This standard wear and tear often makes thespikes difficult to remove. As an example, golf shoes typically employmetal spike elements consisting of a disk shaped base from which athreaded post extends in one direction and a spike extends in anopposing direction. To facilitate insertion and removal of a spikeelement, a pair of apertures is formed in the disk shaped base. Theapertures are configured to receive the pins of a spanner type tool,which is then used to unthread and remove the spike or thread the spikeinto a shoe. The problem occurs when the spike element is worn for aperiod of time. Dirt, pebbles and other extraneous matter is oftenjammed into the apertures preventing the insertion of the pins of thespanner. When this occurs, the apertures must be cleaned out, which isoften difficult if not impossible. Also, after much use, the disk shapedbase becomes worn, and battered. This is precisely when a spike becomesworn down and should be replaced. Much of the time the apertures becomedeformed and will not receive the pins of the spanner, or they become soworn down that the apertures have very little depth and thus will notretain the pins. Therefore it is when the spike elements should beremoved and replaced that removal becomes a problem.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

It would be highly advantageous, therefore, to remedy the foregoing andother deficiencies inherent in the prior art.

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a newand improved spike removal tool.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a tool which willeasily remove worn, deformed or otherwise difficult to remove spikes.

And another object of the present invention is to provide a spikeremoval tool which is relatively inexpensive.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a spikeremoval tool which is relatively simple to use.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a spikeremoval tool which may be used in combination with a conventional drill.

Yet still another object of the present invention is to provide a spikeremoval tool which can be used to remove a large variety of spikes.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a spike removaltool which will not damage the shoe from which the spikes are removed.

Briefly, to achieve the desired objects of the present invention inaccordance with a preferred embodiment thereof, provided is a spikeremoval tool for removing spike elements from sporting shoes. The spikeelements are rotatable in a first direction relative the shoe forinstallation and rotatable in a second direction relative the shoe forremoval. The tool has a tool head with an axis of rotation and includinga first surface, a second surface opposing the first surface, anengagement means carried by the first surface for engaging the spikeelement, and a bore extending centrally through the first surface intothe tool head toward the second surface along the axis of rotation. Alsoincluded in the tool is rotating means for rotating the tool head in thesecond direction.

In a specific embodiment, rotating means includes a shank extending fromthe second surface of the tool head and having an axis of rotationgenerally perpendicular to the first surface of the tool head andco-axial with the bore. The shank is configured to be receivable by aconventional rotating tool.

In another embodiment the engagement means includes a plurality ofblades, of which comprise an engagement element, extending from thefirst surface, the plurality of blades configured to engage the spikeelement upon rotation in the second direction. The plurality of bladesextend radially outward from proximate the bore angled in the seconddirection with respect to the first surface.

In a further embodiment, the tool head is generally cylindrical with thefirst surface sloping inward from a periphery thereof toward the bore.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing and further and more specific objects and advantages ofthe instant invention will become readily apparent to those skilled inthe art from the following detailed description of a preferredembodiment thereof, taken in conjunction with the drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a spike removal toolconstructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention,as it would appear being employed to remove a spike element from a shoe;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the spike removal tool of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a sectional side view of the spike removal tool of FIGS. 1 and2, as it would appear engaging a spike element;

FIG. 4 is a partial perspective view of the spike removal tool of FIGS.1, 2 and 3, as it would appear prior to engaging a spike;

FIG. 5 is a partial perspective view of the spike removal tool of FIGS.1, 2, 3 and 4, as it would appear in engagement with a spike;

FIG. 6 is a bottom plan view of the spike removal tool;

FIG. 7 is a bottom plan view of a spike removal tool showing anotherembodiment of an engagement element;

FIG. 8 is a sectional view taken along line 8--8 of FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the spike removal tool of FIG. 7;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a spike removal tool showing anotherembodiment of an engagement element;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the spike removal tool of FIG. 10, asit would appear engaging a spike element;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a spike removal tool showing yetanother embodiment of an engagement element;

FIG. 13 is a side view of the spike removal tool of FIG. 12;

FIG. 14 is a sectional side view of the spike removal tool of FIGS. 12and 13, as it would appear engaging a spike element; and

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a handle couplable to the shank of thespike removal tools.

FIG. 16 is a side elevational view of an alternate embodiment of theinstant invention with portions thereof broken away for purposes ofillustration;

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of still an alternate embodiment of theinstant invention;

FIG. 18 is a side elevational view of the embodiment first shown in FIG.17.

BEST MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Turning now to the drawings in which like reference characters indicatecorresponding elements throughout the several views, attention is firstdirected to FIG. 1 which illustrates a sport shoe generally designated10. Sport shoe 10 is specifically illustrated as a golf shoe including asole 12, a bottom surface 13 and a plurality of spike elements 14extending therefrom. It will be understood that other types of shoesemploying removable spike elements may be serviced by the presentinvention, and that golf shoe 10 is shown solely for purposes ofreference. With additional reference to FIG. 3, it can be seen thatspike element 14 includes a disk shaped base 15 having an outer surface17 and an inner surface 18. A threaded post 19 extends from innersurface 18 and a spike 20 projects from outer surface 17. Spike element14 is coupled to sole 12 by rotatably inserting threaded post 19 into athreaded socket 22 formed into sole 12. Spike element 14 is rotated in afirst direction for installation and rotated in a second direction forremoval. It is conventional for threaded elements to be rotated in aclockwise direction for engagement and counter-clockwise for removal,but it will be understood that the directions may be reversed.

Still referring to FIG. 1, when spike elements 14 become worn, deformedor otherwise rendered difficult to remove, a spike removal toolgenerally designated 30 is employed to aid in removal. Spike removaltool 30 includes a shank 32 having opposing ends 33 and 34, and a toolhead 35 coupled to end 33. End 34 is configured to be received by arotating device such as a drill 37. In this embodiment, it is assumedthat a counter-clockwise rotation of spike element 14 will remove itfrom shoe 10. Therefore, drill 37 must be reversible to rotate spikeremoval tool 30 in a counter-clockwise direction. It must be noted thatclockwise removal of spike element 14 may also be possible. In that casea drill or other rotating device would not need to be reversible.

Turning now to FIG. 2, tool head 35 is generally cylindrical andincludes a first surface 38, a second surface 39 opposing first surface38, and engagement means carried proximate the first surface 38 forengaging disk shaped base 15 of spike element 14, and a bore 42extending centrally through first surface 38 into tool head 35 towardsecond surface 39 along an axis of rotation of tool head 35. Shank 32extends generally centrally from second surface 39 of tool head 35 andhas an axis of rotation generally perpendicular to first surface 38 oftool head 35 and co-axial with bore 42. The engagement means preferablyconsists of projections for engaging spike element 15, and in thisembodiment, includes a plurality of blades 43 extending from firstsurface 38. Preferably three blades 43 radiating outward from bore 42 inan equal spaced apart relation are used, but it will be understood thattwo or more blades made be employed, and even one blade may be employedif desirable. Blades 43 each extend from the edge of bore 42 toproximate a peripheral edge 44 of first surface 38. To enhanceengagement with spike element 14, each blade 43 is sloped in thedirection of rotation for the removal of the spike element.

Referring again to FIG. 3, first surface 38 may be concave, slopinginward from peripheral edge 44 toward bore 42. Many disk shaped bases 15of spike elements 14 have a convex outer surface 17 which slopesdownward from spike 20 to sole 12. The concave shape of first surface 38compensates for the convex outer surface 17 of disk-shaped base 15.Blades 43 will have a corresponding slope which will insure blades 43contacting disk shaped base 15 along their entire length. It will beunderstood that a planar surface may be used, which will work on slopedbases since a portion of blades 43 will contact and engage disk-shapedbase 15 permitting removal, but a better engagement is established withblades 43 corresponding closer to the slope of the base. It has beenfound that a slope of 15-16 degrees is preferred, but may be varied asdesired.

Turning now to FIG. 4, in operation spike removal tool 30 is placed incontact with spike element 14 by placing tool head 35 directly overspike 20 of spike element 14. With additional reference to FIG. 3, spike20 is received within bore 42 permitting blades 43 to fully contactouter surface 17 of spike element 14. Bore 42 may extend completelythrough tool head 35 and into shank 32 to accommodate longer spikes.Spike element 14 is removed by rotating spike removal tool 30 in thedirection of removal, generally counter-clockwise, which engages blades43 with outer surface 17. In many spike elements, specifically thoseused on golf shoes, a plastic coating 45 covers disk shaped base 15which is fabricated of metal. Upon rotation of spike removal tool 30,blades 43, which are angled into the direction of rotation, gouge intoplastic coating 45, and securely grip spike element 14. Continuedrotation of spike removal tool 30 causes a corresponding rotation ofspike element 14. Upon sufficient rotation, threaded post 19 will beremoved from threaded socket 22 and spike element 14 removed from shoe10.

To rotate spike removal tool 30, shank 32 is configured to be receivedby a conventional rotating device such as drill 37. For the bestresults, a drill 37 which operates at approximately 500 RPM, with aforward and a reverse feature should be used. The reverse feature isnecessary to rotate spike element 14 in the counter-clockwise directionfor removal, and the slower revolutions per minute allow for a betterengagement between blades 43 and spike element 14.

While a spike element 14 having a plastic coating 45 is shown, somespikes are entirely fabricated of plastic or metal. Spike removal tool30 will engage either type for removal of the spike element. This isaccomplished by fabricating spike removal tool 30, and specificallyblades 43, of tool or tempered steel. In this manner, blades 43 willretain a sharp edge which will readily engage substantially any spikeelement whether fabricated of plastic, metal, etc.

Turning now to FIGS. 7 and 8, a spike removal tool generally designated50 is illustrated. Spike removal tool 50 is similar to spike removaltool 30, in that it has the same elements, including a shank 51, a toolhead 52 having a first surface 53 and a second surface 52A, engagementmeans carried by first surface 53 for engaging disk shaped base 15 ofspike element 14, and a bore 55 extending centrally through firstsurface 53 into tool head 52.

Spike removal tool 50 differs from spike removal tool 30 in theembodiment of the engagement means. In this embodiment, the engagementmeans consists of a plurality of teeth 57 extending outward from firstsurface in an alternating pattern as shown. Teeth 57 may be ofsubstantially any shape, but are shown having a diamond shape andterminating in a point 58. Spike removal tool 50 is employed andoperates in substantially the same manner as spike removal tool 30, andhas been included to illustrate that blades 43 and teeth 57 may be of avariety of different configurations, but generally being projectionsextending from the surface of the tool head which are capable ofengaging, generally cutting into, outer surface 17 of spike elements 14.

Turning now to FIG. 10, a spike removal tool generally designated 60 isillustrated. Spike removal tool 60 is similar to spike removal tool 30and 50, in that it has the same elements, including a shank 61, a toolhead 62 having a second surface 62A, engagement means for engaging diskshaped base 15 of spike element 14, and a bore 65 extending centrallythrough tool head 62.

Spike removal tool 60 differs from spike removal tools 30 and 50 in theembodiment of the engagement means. In this embodiment, the engagementmeans consists of flutes 67 formed in tool head 62 and encircling bore65. With additional reference to FIG. 11, flutes 67 terminate in edges68 extending from bore 65 to an outer circumference of tool head 62.Edges 68 engage outer surface 17 of spike elements 14 to facilitateremoval thereof.

Referring now to FIGS. 12 and 13, yet another embodiment of a spikeremoval tool generally designated 70 is illustrated. Spike removal tool70 is similar to spike removal tool 30, 50 and 60, in that it has thesame elements, including a shank 71, a tool head 72 having a firstsurface 73 and a second surface 72A, engagement means carried by firstsurface 73 for engaging disk shaped base 15 of spike element 14, and abore 75 extending centrally through first surface 73 into tool head 72.

Spike removal tool 70 differs from spike removal tools 30, 50 and 60 inthe embodiment of the engagement means. In this embodiment, theengagement means consists of a pair of diametrically opposed lugs 77extending from first surface 73. Lugs 77 are parallel to the axis ofrotation of spike removal tool 70. Lugs 77 terminate in a surface 78sloping away from tool head 72 and in a counter clockwise direction withrespect to the rotation thereof. Thus, one side of each lug 77 is longerthan the other side, forming an edge 79. In other words, when tool 70 isrotated in a clockwise direction, the shorter side of each lug 77 isleading. When rotated in the counter clockwise direction, edges 79 oflugs 77 are leading.

In operation, tool 70 can be used as a spanner to install a spikeelement by inserting lugs 77 into the corresponding openings formed indisk shaped base 15 and rotating clockwise. Tool can also be used toremove spike element by inserting lugs in the openings formed in diskshaped base 15 and rotating in a counter clockwise direction. Inaddition, if the openings are worn or damaged beyond using, tool 70 canbe used to remove the spike element by engaging outer surface 17 withedges 79 of lugs 77 and turning in a counter clockwise direction asshown in FIG. 14. With edges 79 leading during counter clockwiserotation of tool 70, the edges 79 act as an engagement element bycutting into outer surface 17 and thus engaging the spike element.

Turning to FIG. 15, a handle 80 can be provided to facilitate removal ofspike elements when power tools are unavailable or inconvenient. Handle80 is an addition to tools 30, 50, 60 and 70 to permit manual removal ofspike elements. With tool 70, handle 80 also permits installation ofspike elements. Handle 80 is preferably a cylindrical segment havingopposing ends 82 and 83. The free end of tools 30, 50, 60 and 70 aregenerally square or hexagonal as illustrated, to be received by a drill.A corresponding socket 84 is formed in or through handle 80 to receivethe free end of the tool. The shape prohibits rotation of the shankwithin socket 84 of handle 80. In this manner, tools may be rotated byhand to remove, and in some embodiments to install, spike elements.

Turning now to FIG. 16, still a further embodiment of a spike removaltool generally designated by the reference character 90 is illustrated.Spike removal tool 90 is similar to spike removal tool 30, 50, 60, and70, in that it has the same elements, including a shank 91, a tool head92 having a first surface 93, a second surface 93A, engagement elements94 carried by first surface 93 for engaging disk shaped base 15 of spikeelement 14, and a bore 95 extending centrally through first surface 93into tool head 92. The engagement elements 94 function as an engagementmeans for engaging the disk shaped base 15 of spike element 14.

Spike removal tool 90 differs from spike removal tools 30, 50, 60, and70, in the embodiment of the engagement elements 94, and theconfiguration of first surface 93. In this embodiment, the engagementelements 94 consist of a pair of diametrically opposed lugs 97 retainedwithin bores 98 extending through tool head 92. Bores 98 are parallel tothe axis of rotation of spike removal tool 90, and the lugs 97 retainedtherein are also parallel to the axis of rotation of spike removal tool90. Lugs 97 have an upper end 99 received within bore 98, and terminatewith a free end 100 that slopes away from tool head 92 and in a counterclockwise direction with respect to the rotation thereof, much like lugs77 described in combination with FIG. 12 and FIG. 13. Thus, one side ofeach lug 97 is longer than the other side, forming an edge 101. In otherwords, when tool 90 is rotated in a clockwise direction, the shorterside of each lug 97 is leading When rotated in the counter clockwisedirection, edges 101 of lugs 97 are leading. The lugs 97 of spikeremoval tool 90 are preferably roll pins which when introduced intobores 98, securingly press fit against the bores 98 as a result of theroll pins being outwardly biased. As a result of such a configuration,the lugs 97 may be easily introduced to the tool head 92, or easilyremoved if damaged through use. Additionally, since the roll pins makingup lugs 97 are configured to be outwardly biased, the diameter of thebores 98 need not be absolutely precise, since the roll pins canaccommodate slight tooling imperfections leading to varying borediameters. Although dowel pins may be used for lugs 97, the tooling ofthe bores 98 must be very precise for the dowel pins to securingly pressfit within the bores 98.

First surface 93 of spike removal tool 90 is generally planar leading upto countersink 105 which leads into bore 95. The countersink 105includes a frustoconical surface 106. In operation, tool 90 can be usedas a spanner to install a spike element by inserting lugs 97 into thecorresponding openings formed in disk shaped base 15 and rotatingclockwise. Tool 90 can also be used to remove spike element by insertinglugs 97 in the openings formed in disk shaped base 15 and rotating in acounter clockwise direction. Further, when lugs 97 are inserted in theopenings formed in disk shape base 15, frustoconical surface 106functions as a locating surface engageable about and bearing against anopposing frustoconical surface 107 of said disk shaped base 15 forfurther engaging spike removal tool 90 to disk shaped base 15. Inaddition, like spike removal tool 70, if the openings are worn ordamaged beyond using, tool 90 can be sued to remove the spike element byengaging outer surface 17 with edges 101 of lugs 97 and turning in acounterclockwise direction as shown in FIG. 14. With edges 101 leadingduring counterclockwise rotation of tool 90, the edges 101 act asengagement element by cutting into outer surface 17 and thus engagingthe spike element.

Turning now to FIG. 17 and FIG. 18, yet another embodiment of a spikeremoval tool generally designated by the reference character 110. Spikeremoval tool 110 includes all of the elements shown in combination withspike removal tool 90 including a shank 111, a tool head 112 having asubstantially planar first surface 113, a second surface 113A, firstengagement elements 114 carried by first surface 113 which may either beengagement element lugs 97 or lugs 77 illustrated in combination withFIG. 1G and FIG. 1 respectively as shown as desired, and a counter sink115 defined by frustoconical surface 116 leading into bore 117 extendingcentrally through first surface 113 into tool head 112.

Spike removal tool 110 differs from spike removal tool 90 in that firstsurface 113, as opposed to first surface 93 of spike removal tool 90,further includes second engagement elements 120. Second engagementelements 120 are projections for engaging spike element 125 which is aSoftspikes® spike element, and in this embodiment, includes a pluralityof blades 126 extending from first surface 113. Preferably the pluralityof blades 126 includes two diametrically opposed blades 126 radiatingoutward from the countersink 115, but will be understood that more thantwo blades 126 may be used, or even one may be used. Blades 126 eachextend from proximate an upper peripheral edge 127 of countersink 115 toproximate a peripheral edge 128 of first surface 113. To enhance theintroduction and engagement with spike element 125, each blade 126includes a rear sloped surface 122 sloped in the direction of rotationfor the removal of the spike element 125, a front surface 124 generallyperpendicular to first surface 113, and terminates in a surface 129sloping away from tool head 112 and in a counter clockwise directionwith respect to the rotation thereof, and further sloping away from rearsloped surface 122. Thus, one side of each blade 126 is longer than theother side, forming an edge 123. It will be understood that the firstengagement elements 114 and the second engagement elements 120, functionas an engagement means for engaging the spike element 125.

The Softspikes® Spike element 125, embodied in U.S. Pat. No. 5,259,129,and other patents pending, includes a plurality of outwardly radiatingfins 130 extending upwardly from a base 131. Each of the plurality offins 130 includes a sloping forward surface 132, a crest 133, and areseparated by valleys 134.

In operation, tool 110 can be used as a spanner to install a spikeelement by inserting the lugs making up the first engagement elements114 into the corresponding openings (although not herein specificallyshown) formed in spike element 125, and correspondingly inserting theblades 126 proximate a corresponding of one of said valleys such thatportions of the sloped surface 122 of each blade functions as a locatingsurface engageable and bearing against portions of forward surface 132of fin 130. When inserted upon spike element 125, surface 129 functionsas a guiding surface for running across portions of the crest 133 of thefin 30 for guiding the spike removal tool 110 upon the spike element 125and for guiding the lugs making up the first engagement elements 114into the openings formed in the spike element 125. Once the spikeremoval tool 110 is inserted upon the spike element 125, installation ofthe spike element can take place upon rotation of the spike removal tool110 in a clockwise direction, or removal of the spike element can takeplace upon rotation of the spike removal tool 110 in a counterclockwisedirection. In addition, if the openings are worn or damaged beyondusing, tool 110 can be used to remove spike element 125 by engagingportions of the fins 130 with the edges of the lugs making up the firstengagement elements 114, and the free edges 123, the sloped surface 122or the front surface 124 of blades 126, and turning in either aclockwise or counterclockwise direction to either install or remove thespike element 125.

Various changes and modifications to the embodiments herein chosen forpurposes of illustration will readily occur to those skilled in the art.To the extent that such modifications and variations do not depart fromthe spirit of the invention, they are intended to be included within thescope thereof which is assessed only by a fair interpretation of thefollowing claims.

Having fully described the invention in such clear and concise terms asto enable those skilled in the art to understand and practice the same,the invention claimed is:

I claim:
 1. A spike removal tool for removing spike elements fromsporting shoes, the spike elements rotatable in a first directionrelative the shoe for installation and rotatable in a second directionrelative the shoe for removal, the tool comprising:a tool head having anaxis of rotation, rotatable in the second direction to engage the spikeelement and including a first surface, a second surface opposing thefirst surface, a plurality of projections extending from the firstsurface, the plurality of projections configured to engage the spikeelement upon rotation in the second direction and configured to engagethe spike element and rotate the spike element in the first direction,and a bore extending centrally through the first surface into the toolhead toward the second surface along the axis of rotation; the pluralityof projections include a pair of diametrically opposed lugs each havinga surface sloping away from said tool head, said surface sloping awayfrom said tool head in the second direction and terminating in an edgeat a side of said lugs; and a shank extending from the second surface ofthe tool head and having an axis of rotation generally perpendicular tothe first surface of the tool head and co-axial with the bore.
 2. Aspike removal tool for removing spike elements from sporting shoes, thespike elements rotatable in a first direction relative the shoe forinstallation and rotatable in a second direction relative the shoe forremoval, the tool comprising:a tool head having an axis of rotation, therotatable in the second direction to engage the spike element andincluding a first surface, a second surface opposing the first surface,a plurality of projections extending from the first surface, theplurality of projections configured to engage the spike element uponrotation in the second direction and configured to engage the spikeelement and rotate said spike element in the first direction, and a boreextending centrally through the first surface into the tool head towardthe second surface along the axis of rotation; the plurality ofprojections include a pair of diametrically opposed lugs each having asurface sloping away from said tool head, said surface sloping away fromsaid tool head in the second direction and terminating in an edge at aside of said lugs; a shank extending from the second surface of the toolhead and having a first end and an axis of rotation generallyperpendicular to the first surface of the tool head and co-axial withthe bore; and a device for removably receiving the first end of theshank and for rotating the tool head in the second direction.
 3. A spikeremoval tool as claimed in claim 2 wherein said device is a handlecontaining a socket for receiving said first end of said shank.
 4. Agolf spike tool for installing and removing spike elements from golfshoes, the spike elements rotatable in a first direction relative theshoe for installation and rotatable in a second direction relative theshoe for removal, the tool comprising:a tool head having an axis ofrotation, and including a first surface, a second surface opposing thefirst surface, engagement means carried by the first surface forengaging the spike element, and a bore extending centrally through thefirst surface into the tool head toward the second surface along theaxis of rotation; said engagement means including a pair ofdiametrically opposed lugs for engaging said spike element and rotatingsaid spike element in one of the first and second directions, each lughaving a surface sloping away from said tool head, said surface slopingaway from said tool head in the second direction and terminating in anedge at a side of said lugs, said edges engaging said spike element whenrotated in the second direction; and a shank extending from the secondsurface of the tool head and having an axis of rotation generallyperpendicular to the first surface of the tool head and co-axial withthe bore.
 5. A tool as claimed in claim 4 further including a handlehaving a socket for removably receiving said shank.
 6. A tool as claimedin claim 4, wherein said engagement means further includes a pair ofdiametrically opposed blades, each blade having a rear sloped surfacesloping away from said tool head, said rear sloped surface sloping awayfrom said tool head in the second direction and terminating in asurface, said rear sloped surface engaging said spike element whenrotated in the second direction.